Nusrat Ghani, MP for Wealden, has convened a meeting with estate management company First Port over issues with service provision and chaotic invoicing reported by residents of Millwood Park, Hailsham.
Nusrat has recently been contacted by a number of residents of Millwood Park as well as Cllr Gerard Fox who shared their frustrations about the level of estate maintenance provided by the company and concerns about receiving the invoices for 2022/23 and 2023/24 in very close succession which has placed an unexpected burden on many households. With reports of lack of any payment plans being offered to residents, Nusrat convened an urgent meeting with First Port’s Head of Operations to convey her concerns and demand answers.
During the meeting, Nusrat pressed for better communication and fairer invoicing, raised the need for a payment plan option to residents, called for an establishment of a resident committee to work directly with the company, called for a Service Level Agreement to be in place between First Port and residents, asked for the site manager to be present on the site more frequently, and shared residents’ concerns about the lack of visibility of contractors carrying out maintenance, especially of the playground which was reported as a site of concern.
The company confirmed all residents would be receiving a further letter from First Port in the coming days to provide clarity on the amount that they are asking residents to pay, with a breakdown of each budget to provide transparency on how residents’ money is spent. Nusrat was also assured that First Port would be offering the option of a payment plan for the 2022/23 invoice to all residents.
Nusrat Ghani said: “Thank you to all residents who have got in touch with me to share their concerns about the situation at Millwood Park. I was most concerned by the reports, and I made urgent representations to First Port and met with the Head of Operations this morning. Amongst other things, I called for transparency around billing, including itemised invoices and greater cooperation between the company and Millwood Park residents. I welcome the company’s assurances that all residents will be offered a payment plan to aid with the 2022-23 invoice, and I understand that a new manager will be visiting the site in the coming weeks to meet with residents and answer their queries. I will continue monitoring the progress of the matter closely and continue putting pressure on the company to deliver on the commitments made at the meeting.”
Cllr Gerard Fox said: “I was really pleased to support Nus in making the case on behalf of Millwood Park residents and calling for action by the estate management company, and I look forward to seeing the results."
